WASHINGTON — The new U.S.-Iraq security pact that was approved by Iraqi lawmakers Nov. 27 was ratified by Iraq’s Presidency Council yesterday, senior U.S. officials said.

The two-part security pact consists of a strategic framework agreement that establishes the foundation of a long-term bilateral relationship between the United States and Iraq, as well as a status-of-forces agreement that stipulates how U.S. forces are affected by Iraqi laws.

BAGHDAD — In early November, as U.S. Soldiers looked on, Baghdad-based members of the Sons of Iraq got their monthly paychecks from a new boss: the Iraqi government.

“It was a critical step in the turnover of the mostly Sunni volunteers from Coalition to Iraqi control,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kulmayer, the chief of Reconciliation and Engagement for Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

BAGHDAD — Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a suspected Special Groups criminal during an operation Dec. 3 in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district.

Policemen from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd NP Division and Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, , detained the man, suspected of murder and distributing propaganda, at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the Aamel community.